Is it permissible for a third party to give a prize to the winner of a game that does not aid in jihad, such as tennis, based on the understanding that racing (for a prize) in this case is absolutely forbidden, even if it is from a donating third party?

The early jurists stipulated that games which are not beneficial for warfare are not permissible to engage in for a prize ( عوض ), whether the prize comes from the competitors or from others. They gave examples such as chess, ring-toss, polo, shooting with pellets ( بندق ), standing on one leg, and knowing whether what is in the hand is even or odd. Similarly, races involving birds, foot-races, swimming, boat races, and wrestling are not permissible for a prize. As for ram butting and cockfighting, they are absolutely forbidden because they are considered foolishness ( سفه ). However, competing for a prize in diving into water is permissible if it was customary to utilize it in warfare, and likewise for swimming.